From a huge fan of mob films

I have long been a fan of mob films. However, I remember when this came out on video, I for some reason thought that it was the same type as "Analyze This", a weak attempt at comedy mixed with the seriousness of Mafia life. However, upon renting another movie and viewing the preview for " . . Brasco", I knew this was another one that I had to see.

It's hard to tell my favorite mafia movie, but I'm guessing that Goodfellas has to be the top. However, it's hard to understand how much of what fictional mob films portray is actual truth, and which is simply hyped-up for the Hollywood theaters.

Donnie Brasco, however, is the film that breaks from the pack. It protrays the life of an undercover FBI agent that is not only allowed into the mafia life, but actually advances up the chain of command.

I've never been a big fan of Johnny Depp, but I have to give him credit when credit it REALLY due. He does an excellent job of making you forget both that he's an actor, and that you're watching a movie. I think you will soon find yourself drawn into the movie so much that you feel like you're actually there.

Not only is Depp exceptional, but he's surrounded by an excellent cast. Pacino does a great job as Lefty, a man wanting to work his way up, yet realizing he's nothing but a doormat for those farther up in the family. He takes Brisco in--he "vouches" for him--and Brisco soon realizes that if he is discovered to be an FBI agent, Lefty will pay, also.

You will most likely find yourself soon forgetting that this is a true story. Especially toward the end, when the "family" fails to believe that Brisco was in fact an undercover FBI agent. Even when presented with photos of him with other agents, they fail to believe he is truly an agent--they prefer to believe that he was coerced to pose for the photos.

If you're a big fan of mafia films, and love to see inside the life of a family, this is the film for you. You're in for a treat of great acting coupled with an excellent real-life portrayal of the life of a mafia family.